Tom Selleck’s portrayal of Frank Reagan in the popular TV series “Blue Bloods”, a drama about a family of cops who are proud of their Catholic faith, was so convincing that many wondered if he was actually Catholic. So is he? Let’s find out in this article.
Tom Selleck is not a Catholic, but he is a Christian. He is reported to be a member of the Disciples of Christ, a Protestant church. He once said that he was “not particularly religious”, but in one of his interviews, he claimed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, crediting him for all his success.
Now, beyond his name and iconic mustache, who exactly is Tom Selleck and what is he best known for? Moreover, what does he think and say about Jesus Christ? Continue reading to know the answer to these questions.
Who Is Tom Selleck?
Born on January 29, 1945, Thomas William Selleck more popularly known as Tom Selleck is an American actor and film producer. His shot to fame was his portrayal of “Thomas Magnum”, a private investigator based in Hawaii, in the hit 1980s TV series “Magnum P.I”. This series ran from December 1980 to May 1988, and allowed Selleck to earn his Golden Globes and Emmy awards.
From then on, Tom Selleck appeared in numerous TV series and movies, including “Boston Legal”, “Three Men and a Baby”, and even in “Friends”. His latest work, “Blue Bloods”, is his longest-running TV series, having been on air since September 2010 and renewed for another season in 2023.
Throughout his career as an actor, Selleck took on plenty of different roles in a wide range of genres and mediums, showcasing his versatility. But before he and his mustache became famous, he was a student and a basketball player in college while appearing in Pepsi commercials and two episodes of The Dating Game.
While studying business and being part of a management training program with United Airlines, Selleck was then offered a $35-a-week contract by 20th Century Fox. Just three classes short of his degree, he decided to quit and try acting. For the next years, he did commercials, soaps, pilots, and some movies – which were pretty forgettable.
In the middle of his contract, Selleck was issued draft orders for the Vietnam War. He then joined the California National Guard and served in the 160th Infantry Regiment of the California National Army Guard from 1967 to 1973. Later on, he appeared on the California National Guard’s recruiting posters.
In one of his interviews with Military.com, he says: “I am a veteran, I’m proud of it. I was a sergeant in the U.S. Army infantry, National Guard, Vietnam era. We’re all brothers and sisters in that sense.”
What is Tom Selleck Best Known For?
After serving in the army, Selleck resumed his acting career and settled down with a family. He worked on six pilots for TV shows that didn’t work out. But in 1979, the stars finally aligned for him. He was tapped to play Thomas Magnum for “Magnum P.I”, which is a role he is best known for. At the same time, he was also offered the lead role in “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark”, which he had to turn down because of his commitment to CBS.
Now, this is a movie that led to a more than $2 billion franchise. So it’s easy to think that he might regret his decision. Yet, he doesn’t. In an interview, Selleck said: “I signed a deal for Magnum, it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I’m proud that I lived up to my contract. Some people said, ‘You gotta get in the car and drive into a brick wall and get injured and get out of Magnum, and do this.” But he said, ”I gotta look my mom and dad in the eye, and we don’t do that. So I did Magnum. It’s not so bad, is it?”
Well, certainly, it wasn’t bad. His choice to stick with Magnum paid off as it turned him into a household name, a Golden Globes and Emmy winner, and a rich man.
Aside from “Magnum P.I”, Tom Selleck is also known for his role as Frank Reagan in the series “Blue Bloods”. He plays the head of the police force in New York City and the patriarch of a closely-knit Irish family who are proud of their Catholic faith – which is displayed in every episode. The show, while not sponsored by the Church, depicts many Catholic traditions and practices and touches on moral and religious issues.
The “Blue Bloods” is Tom Selleck’s longest-running TV series. It has been on air on CBS since 2010 and has over 13 seasons now. Then in 2023, the show was renewed for another season. So there are more episodes of cops-and-church crossover to look forward to.
What Is Tom Selleck’s Religion in Real Life?
Selleck’s portrayal of a Catholic patriarch in “Blue Bloods” was so convincing that many wondered if he was actually one. In real life, however, he is neither a Catholic nor a religious person. There aren’t a lot of articles about Selleck’s religion but some say that he is a member of the Disciples of Christ Church, which makes him a Protestant and a Christian.
See, Tom wasn’t always a strong believer in Christ. He admits that his journey as a Christian was pretty “rocky” through the years. But he was able to listen to God and followed His will as he entered acting and when he joined the army. He then found himself claiming Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
So while Tom Selleck is quiet about his faith, he is a strong believer in Jesus Christ. He attributes everything he has achieved to Him and believes that it is the Almighty who guides his life. In one of his most recent interviews, he said:
“It’s an individual’s heart that makes plans for a lifetime, but it’s the Almighty who guides through them.” He further says, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you in due time.”
